I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
The struggle of today is not altogether for today - it is for a vast future also.
Interpretation
Today's challenges contribute to a better future.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes that the difficulties and struggles faced in the present moment are not solely for immediate gain but are also investments in a brighter and more promising future. This perspective encourages perseverance and resilience, reminding us that our efforts today lay the groundwork for tomorrow's successes and advancements.
In practice
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to inspire students about the challenges they will face ahead.
I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
If you find yourself saying 'I can't do something', but you know it in your heart of hearts that if you do it, you're going to grow, you're going to be a better person, it's going to contribute to your family or to your kids or to something that matters, and you keep saying 'I can't do it,' there is no question—you must do it. You don't discuss it anymore. You just take immediate action... You do what's necessary.
The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.
There's nothing I would retire for, so I won't retire.
I was never lined up outside of my bosses office saying 'Give me an opportunity; there's not a woman in primetime'... I was just trying to be so good they couldn't ignore me.
And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within.
Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.
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